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https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5beacf1f88251b70dd93eca2/1542115111922/20180331-3908.jpg Home https://www.bernardtkchan.com/about daily 0.75 2018-11-10 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5be6f5564fa51a2b588c28bc/1541862757829/20180331-3908.jpg About https://www.bernardtkchan.com/contact daily 0.75 2018-11-10 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5be6fde270a6ad6a48f271c6/1541864944789/20161024-03136.jpg Contact https://www.bernardtkchan.com/essays/japanpti daily 0.75 2017-08-02 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5908fc52414fb528ea0e76cc/1494900937137/20161020-8465.jpg KANSAI At the entrance of a very crowded shrine. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/591a8070bebafb6254a70e94/1494909052552/ KANSAI We headed to Arashiyama and stopped by % Arabica (map below) for a coffee. Pretty popular spot given the location as it's right by the Katsura river and has a nice view of Arashiyama and the Togetsukyo bridge. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5908fe471b10e3feb2b92a03/1494905340163/20161020-8606.jpg KANSAI A shot that would be nearly impossible at the bottom of the mountain. The shrine gets much more serene and peaceful as you near the top. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5908fd3cf7e0ab2f59bb64fb/1494903354135/ KANSAI Rest stops along the path. Ice cream and cold drinks that get more and more expensive the higher you get. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/591a7fb8d2b85707d8d2052b/1494908908338/ KANSAI A-ha! A moment of silence and calm amongst the less travelled parts of the grounds of the Tenryuji. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/591a8113579fb30e8c422067/1494909281511/ KANSAI Finished off our short trip to Arashiyama by heading to Steak Otsuka for lunch. Map is just below with slightly more information. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/591a7e7d46c3c48a946d4f1a/1494908555420/ KANSAI F#^K. (Though seriously, it was pretty entertaining seeing these kids around the temple. There were literally dozens of queues but everything was pretty damn orderly. Not a surprise, I guess.) https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59093b12bf629aaad4c66558/1494116408752/ KANSAI Bikes are plentiful in Kyoto. The flat landscape of the city and the well maintained roads are probably the major factors in this. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5909454986e6c00e33df9d6f/1494903549883/ KANSAI Unsurprisingly, aside from the many tori gates, the shrine is rife with statues and figures of foxes. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/590a938946c3c4b3041e5b42/1494911193642/20161021-8613.jpg KANSAI A bus stop outside the Minamiza Kabuki Theatre on the east side of the Kamo river. East of the river is the Higashiyama area of Kyoto which is where many of the shrines and traditional buildings are found (but obviously not limited to). https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/590aa43337c58115290de04a/1494116523044/ KANSAI Yellow Hats. $^#*ing yellow hats everywhere. Grey suit wasn't with the group but he didn't seem particularly interested in the temple either. Probably a business-man who took the early train in and figured he'd check out the temple anyway. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/590aa4794402438ad1b5a2b8/1494116528857/ KANSAI Some fine woodworking and carpentry in Japan. Details. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/590aa4d6197aea2c7d72d645/1494116534314/ KANSAI Bikes everywhere. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/591a803a2e69cfd5da28630c/1494908996722/ KANSAI Tenryu-ji. We woke up way past the time we planned to and got here with tons of people walking about already. Photographs were kind of difficult to get without anyone walking right in front of my lens... At some point I said $#^* it and started snapping away anyway. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59094640c534a57f250000c9/1494116484276/ KANSAI Halfway up and turning around to get a view of Kyoto. Can vaguely make out Kyoto Tower in the distance. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5907f1b8197aea197280dc5a/1494114596563/20161020-02923.jpg KANSAI Kamogawa; A river that runs through Kyoto right along the major arteries of the city https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59093aec46c3c4e4cad6a971/1494116400797/ KANSAI Kawaramachi-dori; One of the closest major arteries that runs parallel to the Kamo river https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5908848aff7c50e703f3dca7/1494116414279/ KANSAI Got off the subway and basically had to wait for everyone to clear off the platform before I could get this shot. The train station is a very short walk to the entrance of the shrine. Unless you're planning on visiting something else in the area, it's basically impossible to get lost because everyone's going to the same place. If anything, with the amount of people that visit this shrine, you could pretty much close your eyes and still end up at the entrance . https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/590aa3dc03596e669d442f0e/1494116515500/ KANSAI Inside the main building of Kiyomizu-dera. We got there early, but not early enough as I only had time to take this shot before the crowds started pouring in. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/590aa38cebbd1ae4f48417e0/1494116505342/ KANSAI Wandering the streets of Higashiyama early in the morning to try to avoid the crowds of tourists and school children at the shrines and temples. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/591a7f29579fb30e8c420d26/1494908758205/ KANSAI Back to Ponto-cho and these crazy narrow (but immensely photogenic) alleys. Ponto-cho is pretty lively at night with tons of eateries for you to hop around. In particular, most of the restaurants to the right in this photo have patios/platforms that back onto the riverside of the Kamo. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5b069ed61ae6cfbad93e9943/1527160556463/20161020-02923.jpg KANSAI https://www.bernardtkchan.com/essays/japanptii daily 0.75 2017-08-02 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5930c5e6ebbd1a6dc1b4b790/1497398094793/ HIDA Shops in the old town of Takayama use traditional noren at their entrances. I think it's safe to assume that one segment flipped up means they are open for business. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/593448b2e58c627dbfad7623/1497398094809/ HIDA The first (and only?) double decker cable car leaving the station. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59340b83f5e231a946f272a2/1497398094797/ HIDA One way to relax in Okuhida. Once the sun crept behind the mountains it got chilly pretty quick. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59340bfb2994cad4871a7d4f/1497398094800/ HIDA The bus wasn't coming for another hour from our onsen so we decided we'd just walk to the next closest bus stop. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/592cd97fb8a79bae6f0797c0/1497398094745/ HIDA Lunch break for a roof under construction. Obviously with some more modern assistance using metal scaffolding but generally the same method. Notice the structural contrast between the finished right side and the incomplete left side. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/592eb1bd1b10e3f517519dfe/1497398094757/ HIDA The red dolls you see on the right side of the photo are known as Sarubobo and are associated with Takayama. They are dolls given to grandchildren by grandmothers wishing them successful marriages and healthy offspring. Over the years, the Sarubobo doll has been 'modernized' with different colours representing different wishes (studies, career, health, money, etc.). That said, the red one is still the prevailing colour you will see in most gift shops, shrines and tourism centres. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/592cf5456b8f5b4e64d842b6/1497398094752/ HIDA Yeah. I don't know why. Don't ask. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/592cf511be659440dba29e51/1497398094748/ HIDA A private house. The roofs will actually feature slopes across various villages in the general region due to the varying amounts of snow they receive. These houses were traditionally farmers' homes so it is not surprising to find crops/plants being planted right next to the buildings. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5930c60bc534a5e2b2b74f52/1497398094795/ HIDA Another beautiful noren in the old town of Takayama. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5934472003596eae57d3d321/1497398094807/ HIDA The ropeway is is broken up into two sections. This rest stop sits inbetween and includes restaurants and a gift shop, as well as some nature walks around the area. From here, a double decker cable car heads to the top. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5930bde8cd0f68b9de0f12d4/1497398094788/ HIDA The Miyagawa morning market is basically a single riverside street that runs about a few hundred metres. The other morning market, Jinya-mae market, is located in the parking lot in front of the Takayama Jinya (the old government building, now a museum). https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/593013cc6a49636edf8d4345/1497398094761/ HIDA Mornings in Takayama are peaceful. The only hustle and bustle you'll hear or see is from the vendors at the morning markets which are everyday from 6:30 or 7:00 until around the noon hours. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59340c9659cc687cc78ad398/1497398094802/ HIDA This was a ryokan at the next bus stop. Really cool looking roof. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/592435b9d2b8572b825a629d/1497398094741/ HIDA View of Shirakawa-go and the surrounding mountains. Visiting in early Autumn, we were probably a couple of weeks too early for the full colour change and a couple of months early for the heavy snow that the area is known for. One of the most iconic photos of this village is of the thatched roofs sitting under a thick layer of snow. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59344af1b8a79b65b0b81240/1497398094813/ HIDA The viewing platform at the top. Probably at least 10 to 15 degrees cooler, which for us at the time, put the temperature into single digits and even with the sun, felt a lot cooler than down below. Luckily for us it was a clear day and we could see far off into the distance. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/593016774402434184315f3e/1497398094782/ HIDA Fresh flowers and plants. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/593015816b8f5bb590ce64e3/1497398094769/ HIDA A vendor selling traditional Japanese robes with hand stitched designs. Not particularly cheap, but of course you are paying for the craftsmanship and skill. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59301531a5790a8868bc0a1e/1497398094766/20161024-9090.jpg HIDA The Miyagawa river as viewed from the Miyagawa morning market. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/592e4a4737c581a7c5ee6de0/1497398094755/20161024-9028.jpg HIDA Takayama is a pretty quiet town despite there still being quite a number of tourists that visit. This picture is taken not too far from the JR Takayama train station which is the main hub that connects Takayama to rest of Japan. Although this photo was taken in the morning, it didn't get that much busier throughout the day. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/593015bbd2b857caa399aaad/1497398094771/ HIDA Ichii itto (carving from yew trees) is a technique originating from Takayama. The yew tree wood grows darker as it ages and develops a unique patina. Commonly found carvings are that of the owl (fukuro in Japanese) which are meant to bring good luck, as well as the daruma figures which are modelled after the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5930c4a303596e353c162555/1497398094790/ HIDA Interesting planters adorn the streets of Takayama. This one caught our attention as we made our way down the street from the JR Takayama station. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5930bdb53a0411c3f0097a3b/1497398094785/ HIDA More yew tree carvings. On the right of the picture you can make out some wooden sarubobos. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5934491b1b10e3af53c7a59e/1497398094811/ HIDA Tracking our way down the mountain. The setting sun casts some interesting shadows and silhouettes onto the forests below. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5930163115d5db909ee85fed/1497398094777/ HIDA Fresh produce. Japan goes a bit mushroom-crazy in the fall when matsutake mushrooms (not pictured) are in season. In fact, visiting Japan in the fall is probably one of the best times to visit if you intend to eat well (and spend well). https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5930165abf629ad57a5a030a/1497398094779/ HIDA Other crafts and trinkets for sale. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59340d1d6a496389be2fa170/1497398094804/ HIDA Taken at the base of Mount Hotaka looking up at the neighbouring peaks. The Shin Hotaka Ropeway is a cable car that takes visitors to the top of the third tallest mountain in Japan. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/592cd9265016e1bf41abe56c/1497398094750/ HIDA Of course, there are more standard and newer buildings in the village as well. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/593013482e69cff625d9a915/1497398094759/ HIDA One of the halls at the Hida Kokubunji Temple. It is the oldest temple in Takayama and was originally built in 746 AD (thought it was later burnt down and rebuilt). Also on the premises are a three-story pagoda, as well as a 1200 year old gingko tree. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/593015f3be6594aca3695723/1497398094773/ HIDA Other offerings found in the morning market include pickled and preserved items. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59344e23c534a56c195a3234/1497398094816/ HIDA Headed back to the ryokan for dinner. Hida beef was on the menu. This piece was in nigiri form. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/593014f5b3db2b837ffaca2c/1497398094763/ HIDA One of the many bridges that cross the Miyagawa river that runs through Takayama. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5934c7f2e4fcb549ee91584c/1497398094738/20161024-9063.jpg HIDA https://www.bernardtkchan.com/essays/japanptiii daily 0.75 2017-08-02 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59434d82e6f2e181eec505e5/1497583216479/ TOKYO Inside the first floor of Nui where we spent many mornings and evenings mingling and meeting other travellers. The man in the foreground, along with his girlfriend (not pictured) were travelling from Montreal. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5943cd2137c5819eb63c4f28/1497615690140/20161026-03240-2.jpg TOKYO [Click to enlarge] We made it to Ameyoko (short for Ameya-Yokocho) which is an interesting street that runs along and underneath the train tracks near the JR Ueno station. There's a variety of shops but all with a generally budget-friendly consumer in mind. We were probably still a bit early for the lunch crowd to move through the area but there were still some specific shops that were at capacity. At certain parts along the tracks, you can go underneath and cross to the other side. Most of the aforementioned busy shops were located there. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b51521e5b6cc3f345be39/1498108249945/ TOKYO Only suits here. We arrived at an odd time as the lunch hour rush hadn't really started yet so the streets weren't as crowded. We got here a bit too early for our reservation so wandered around a bit. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5943520ba5790a8fbce28ff7/1497584153674/ TOKYO The street leading into the Senso-ji in Asakusa. Pictured here is Nakamise-dori which is lined with shops selling snacks and souvenirs. In the distance you can see Kengo Kuma's Asakusa Culture & Tourism Center. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b448a1b10e33c1f934589/1498106072783/ TOKYO Had to try Blue Bottle in Japan. It was alright, I think I had some better coffee elsewhere but still quite good. Lines were not long at all but finding a seat in this crowded cafe was a bit difficult. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b44139f745612a7f4aacb/1498104865197/ TOKYO Omotesando Hills by Tadao Ando https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b4f0872af657dc0d72ba8/1498107670738/ TOKYO Streets of Ginza. In the upper left of the photo you can see the iconic Ginza clock tower on top of Wako. Prada opposite GU. Just thinking about how much one purchase at Prada could buy at GU... https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594bb65d1b10e33c1f969d0a/1498134119579/ TOKYO A shot of the Tokyo Tower and skyline in the background from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku the night before we left to return home. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59435efdebbd1a055394de70/1497587523509/ TOKYO On the inner grounds of the temple you will find tourists and locals alike. The smoke coming from the incense is thought to be good luck and visitors will often waft the smoke over themselves to receive the blessing. I guess the question is, what if you waft the smoke straight into your lungs? Blessing or curse? https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b4b73d2b857d661f73e45/1498106745915/20161026-9542-2.jpg TOKYO A train arrives for the opposite platform. The Yamanote line is perhaps the most well known line in Tokyo, if not Japan. It travels in a loop and visits most of the major transportation hubs in Tokyo. Riding around the whole loop on this train takes approximately an hour and is actually a pretty good tour of Tokyo should you decide to get off and on at the different stations. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b516f579fb37688810a89/1498108288294/ TOKYO Eventually, Karen found a pharmacy / beauty products store and I was stationed outside for a good few minutes snapping photos of the passersby. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59434cd217bffca6a2a16e76/1497582923843/ TOKYO Outside Nui. Nice big windows let lots of ambient light in through the front and into their lounge and café space. The hostel offers bike rentals to its guests for pretty affordable rates. Interestingly, there are lots of bikers in the Asakusa and Kuramae area but we didn't see nearly as many in other places. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b43b8893fc0c769a655c9/1498104826278/ TOKYO [Click to enlarge] Luxury brands and trees line Omotesando in one of the most iconic views around Tokyo. Traffic jams going in one direction heading from Aoyama towards Harajuku. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b50c7b6ac5011c2a4e143/1498108117936/ TOKYO Taxi for comparison. Yeah. That van was f@%#ing small. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b4f541b631bf50a02464f/1498107746437/ TOKYO If not for the shiny glass facades of a lot of the newer buildings, the streets of Ginza might be perpetually in the shadows. Alright I guess that's a bit unfair as it makes it sound like Ginza's the seedy underbelly of Tokyo... Actually, is it? https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b519a4c8b030d2e03babc/1498108332220/ TOKYO Wandering around after our tempura lunch (sorry no photos). Found this back alley behind some office buildings. Typical vending machine, smoking, talking on the phone spot. I can't recall very well now but I think there's a quick, cheap lunch spot in the photo here as well. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59436199ebbd1a055394f81e/1497588149838/ TOKYO Guess it was the time of day but there were an awful lot of senior citizens out while we were walking. This corner seemed to be the local stop for cigarettes and drinks. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59474ceacd0f681e7eec51b0/1497873662097/ TOKYO One of the paths inside Ueno park that lead to the Ueno Toshogu Shinto Shrine. The JR Ueno station adjacent to the park is another major hub for transportation and so it's not uncommon to see people carrying their suitcases around the park. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b4379ebbd1a41e03ec004/1498104704360/ TOKYO We ended up in Harajuku in the middle of the afternoon. Decided to go for a walk up and down the iconic Aoyama-dori to check out some of the shops. Streets were full of people, tourists and locals alike. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59435fbdcd0f689213410e49/1497588011571/ TOKYO After leaving the Senso-ji, we made our way through the neighbourhood towards Ueno Park. We stumbled upon this building sandwiched between two more modern buildings (something not uncommon in Tokyo). Now that I'm writing this up, I've done some research and it turns out this is an okonomiyaki shop and a pretty highly rated one at that. F!#@. I guess there's always next time. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b2b59f7e0ab9e04afed78/1498098548559/ TOKYO Shortly afterwards, we were on our way to our next stop waiting for the Yamanote train inside Ueno station. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b4bd3f7e0ab9e04b1389f/1498106843516/20161026-9555.jpg TOKYO There's a sense of style you don't really get anywhere else with how the Japanese dress. You'll often see very understated pieces put together to create very relaxed looks. Silhouettes and patterning isn't all about slim and skinny and there's often a nod towards functionality. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594bb6c2197aeafbe95d362a/1498134219619/ TOKYO Since my last trip to Japan, I've learned to really appreciate architecture and spaces and I really wanted to try and make it one of the focal points of the trip. Though that wasn't really the case, we were able to visit 21 21 Design Sight, a collaboration between Tadao Ando and Issey Miyake in Roppongi. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59435f62b3db2be040e4a6f1/1497587603834/20161026-9435.jpg TOKYO The Asakusa Culture & Tourism Center by Kengo Kuma and Associates. Signature wood-cladding for a building that seems to resemble houses stacked atop one another. The details on the inside of the building were quite interesting as well. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594361ffe6f2e181eec5d408/1497588260086/ TOKYO Stopping by the local shop for a quick chat. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59434f57d482e9d09f08f511/1497584114609/ TOKYO We went out for a walk and decided to walk to Ueno. Incredible how the streets here are so free of trash and litter flying around. It really lives up to what people say about how Japan is so clean. Combined with all the white buildings lining the street, it's a pretty sterile scene. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59474cb5cd0f681e7eec4fcc/1497844950539/ TOKYO The Ueno Toshogu Shinto shrine in all it's golden glory. it's just one of the many shrines and temples scattered throughout the park. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b5079bebafb473bd900de/1498108039072/ TOKYO OK this isn't actually in Ginza. It's technically Kyobashi which is just a few blocks away. We were here for Tempura Fukamachi. I noticed this small looking cargo van and had to get a snap of it. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594b2baebf629aa6e6edd485/1498098623193/ TOKYO Always on time. The trains in Japan are known for being accurate to the minute and we can certainly attest to it. On the train platforms, orderly lines naturally form once the trains arrive without much need for direction or coordination from attendants. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/594bb67d6b8f5bb74f3160fa/1498134149058/ TOKYO Signs in Roppongi. Confusing traffic signs, the ubiquitous blue karaoke sign, and Konami all the way in the background. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59474c72ccf210058d3aa4b9/1497844865871/ TOKYO The JR Ueno station exit right across from the entrance to Ueno Park. Ueno Park is one of the primary parks and public spaces in Tokyo. Inside the park, you will find a concert hall, a couple of national museums, shrines and temples, as well as a zoo. During the cherry blossom season, Ueno Park gets incredibly busy as many of the paths are lined with cherry blossoms and the daytime drinking parties underneath them. Even outside of the springtime, the park can be quite busy during all times of the day. The spaces are so multifunctional and multi-purposed, and the park's level of utilization really shows it. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/59525ac1e6f2e17c04d9478b/1498569424508/20161027-9614.jpg TOKYO https://www.bernardtkchan.com/essays-home daily 0.75 2018-11-11 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5be6daee0e2e7214379931ca/1541856027371/20161023-9004.jpg Essays - hida https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5be6dd3b352f53a24d549946/1541856648642/20161027-9620.jpg Essays - TOKYO https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5be6d9dc70a6ad6a48f12007/1541855751025/20161020-02923.jpg Essays - KANSAI https://www.bernardtkchan.com/portfolio-home daily 0.75 2018-11-12 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5be6f2ca8a922d4a29083ecb/1541862223048/20181013-00373.jpg Portfolio - PEOPLE https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5be6f3078a922d4a290841a9/1541862243490/20161026-9555.jpg Portfolio - STREET & LIFESTYLE https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5834fbd8f5e231d203010c75/t/5be6f2920e2e7214379a00f7/1541862189607/20150829-0029.jpg Portfolio - TRAVEL